Smoked Gouda Calories and Nutrition Facts

Smoked Gouda Cheese Nutrition Facts and Calories

Smoked gouda is a popular semi-hard cheese known for its distinctive smoky flavor and smooth texture. With its high fat and low carbohydrate content, smoked gouda fits well into diets like the keto diet. However, some people may still wonder about the calories and nutritional value of smoked gouda cheese.

Smoked Gouda Nutrition Facts

Smoked gouda is a good source of several important nutrients (based on a 28g / 1oz serving):

Calories: 96
Fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 7g
Calcium: 20% DV
Phosphorus: 9% DV
Sodium: 176mg

So in a standard serving, smoked gouda provides almost 100 calories, 8g of fat, 7g of protein and minimal carbs. The majority of the fat is saturated fat. Smoked gouda also supplies around 20% of the daily recommended calcium intake.

Calories in Smoked Gouda

There are about 96 calories in a 1 ounce (28 gram) serving of smoked gouda cheese. The amount of calories can vary slightly among different brands.

Here are some examples of calories in typical serving sizes of smoked gouda:

1 oz: 96 calories
2 oz: 192 calories
3.5 oz: 336 calories
100 g: 341 calories

When enjoying smoked gouda cheese, pay attention to serving sizes to keep calories in check. Measuring portions with a food scale or measuring cups can help with portion control.

Smoked Gouda Cheese and the Keto Diet

One of the reasons smoked gouda cheese is so popular is that it fits perfectly into low carb, high fat diets like the ketogenic or "keto" diet. The keto diet requires getting 70-80% of daily calories from fat. With 80% of its calories coming from fat, smoked gouda can help keto dieters meet this macronutrient ratio.

Benefits of adding smoked gouda into a keto diet may include:

High fat content Each serving provides 8g of fat, mostly saturated fat which keto dieters aim to consume.
Low net carbs With just 1g carb and no sugar per serving, smoked gouda has a minimal effect on blood sugar and allows staying in ketosis.
Rich, savory flavor The smoky taste and creamy texture makes recipes and snacks more satisfying so keto dieters feel less deprived.
Versatility Smoked gouda can be added to everything from omelets to salads, burgers, fat bombs and more on the keto diet.

Smoked gouda is one of the most keto-friendly cheese options. It offers substantial healthy fats without spiking carbs or calories, helping keto dieters lose weight while enjoying rich flavor.

Selecting Quality Smoked Gouda Cheese

With so many varieties available today, you may wonder how to select authentic, high-quality smoked gouda cheese. Here are a few tips for picking out the best smoked gouda to enjoy its trademark flavor and smooth, creamy texture:

Check the Ingredients

Traditional smoked gouda is made from just a few whole food ingredients: pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes and smoke flavoring. The best smoked gouda avoids additives like preservatives, fillers, stabilizers and anti-caking agents. Check the label to ensure the ingredient list is straightforward.

Look for Natural Smoking

Quality smoked gouda gets its flavor and aroma from being naturally smoked over smoldering wood chips, not chemical additives. Natural smoking infuses a rich, nuanced taste. Terms like "naturally smoked" indicate traditional preparation methods were used.

Select Based on Age

Smoked gouda comes in different ages or maturity levels ranging from mild "jong" (young) Beemster gouda to extra-aged "overjarig" (mature) gouda. More aged varieties take on a firmer texture and intensified flavor. Try a few ages to find your preference or use young and old smoked gouda for different recipes.

Check the Cheese's Interior

A peek inside the wedge reveals a lot about smoked gouda's quality. It should have a supple yet sliceable texture without crumbling. Uniform cream color with evenly distributed brown protein crystals indicates it was aged properly. No pockets, holes or odd spots should appear inside.

Buy from Reputable Sources

Seek out smoked gouda from artisan cheesemakers that pride themselves on traditional techniques. Farmer's markets offer unique smoked gouda varieties. Specialty cheese shops will vet products for quality. And some major gourmet cheese brands like Beemster remain dedicated to craftsmanship.

With so many smoked gouda options on the market today, use these tips to discern authentic, top-tier cheeses with that quintessential smoky tang.

Enjoying Smoked Gouda Cheese

Thanks to its rich savoriness balanced by mellow sweetness, smoked gouda is one of the world's most beloved cheeses. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy smoked gouda cheese:

Pair with Fruits and Nuts

Counter smoked gouda's savory saltiness with sweet fruits like green apples, grapes, figs or melon. Enjoy a smoker gouda cheese board together with walnuts, pecans or almonds which complement the smokiness.

Melt Onto Grilled Cheese

For an instant classic comfort food, layer smoked gouda between slices of whole grain or seeded bread with complementary cheeses like cheddar or gruyere to make an epic grown-up grilled cheese.

Include in Hearty Salads

Beyond vinaigrettes, balance leafy greens with protein-packed ingredients like smoked gouda crumbles or cubes. The smokiness plays perfectly off sweet veggies and fruits, creamy dressings and crunchy nuts or seeds.

Stuff into Burgers

Burgers get an instant upgrade when stuffed with sliced or shredded smoked gouda cheese. The cheese melts deliciously across beef, turkey, portobello or other veggie burger patties with all the classic toppings.

Bake into Egg Dishes

From simple smoked gouda scrambles to crustless mini quiches, frittatas, stratas and omelets, smoked gouda's creamy texture pairs wonderfully with light, fluffy egg dishes across breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch.

With its versatility to feature in sweet, savory, vegetarian and carnivorous recipes alike, smoked gouda cheese satisfies cravings morning, noon and night.

FAQs

Is smoked gouda a good source of protein?

Yes, smoked gouda is a good source of protein. A 1-ounce serving provides about 7 grams of protein, which is 14% of the recommended daily intake. The protein comes primarily from the milk used to produce the cheese.

Is smoked gouda cheese healthy?

In moderation, smoked gouda can be part of a healthy diet. It provides protein, calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. However, it is high in saturated fat and sodium, so portion sizes should be monitored.

What wine pairs best with smoked gouda?

The bold, smoky flavor of gouda makes it a versatile cheese for wine pairings. Good options include fruity reds like pinot noir, earthy whites like chardonnay, smoky reds like syrah, sparkling wines like cava, and sweeter wines like riesling or gewürztraminer.

Can you freeze smoked gouda cheese?

Yes, you can freeze smoked gouda cheese. To freeze, cut into 1⁄2 inch cubes or shred, then place cubes or shreds into freezer bags or airtight containers. Thaw refrigerated overnight before using. Freezing can alter the cheese's texture slightly but will extend its shelf life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.